Penny And Rio

Book Review of Penny & Rio - The Mysterious Backyard Meeting by Jennifer Swanson

Not in her nature to have a dog day afternoon, dog Penny finds herself on an adventure in her new backyard attempting to discover the purpose behind the peculiar nighttime meetings between several different animals. Unsuccessful in coaxing her sister dog Rio to assist in uncovering the truth behind the gatherings, Penny remains determined to prove the other animals are up to no good. Unexpected circumstances arise and along the way Penny learns not to judge a book by its cover and not to fall into prejudgment of someone's actions.

Children's author, Jennifer Swanson takes the reader on the journey of acceptance of others in an endearing nature without preaching. Coupled with Rosita Schandy and Neal Wooten's vibrant illustrations and the talented storytelling of Jennifer Swanson it will have the reader cheering out loud time and time again as the adventures of Penny & Rio are read many times over.

There is no wonder Penny & Rio - The Mysterious Backyard Meeting is an award winning children's book bestowed by 2009 Mom's Choice Silver Award, 2008 Florida Writer's Association Royal Palm Literary Awards, and The Dove Foundation's "Family Approved" Seal.

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A Mom's Choice Awards Recipient!

This title is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS's Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, and New York Times best-selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families.

First book in an exciting mystery series for children

An award-winning debut adventure series for young children, this book not only gives the child a pair of unlikely investigators, but delivers a message as well. Much like a chapter book with very short chapters, it can be read to younger children, or used as an early reader. Jennifer Swanson is really onto something with this mystery series.

The two investigators, Penny and Rio, are two dogs with different personalities. When Penny discovers a mystery in their new backyard, she wants to get to the bottom of it, fast. But Rio doesn't want to bother, saying it's not their business. When Penny sees a cat and an owl sitting and talking together she knows that this is not quite right. Birds and cats shouldn't be together, there has to be something more to it. And what about the other animals who seem to be involved, too?

Penny finds herself a hiding place where she can keep an eye on what is happening. She is careful because she has already been in trouble over the barking she did and had to sleep in the garage. Penny doesn't give up trying to solve the mystery, though. When she overhears the plot, or part of it, she tries to talk to Fifi, the dog next door, to warn her about the animals' plans, but Fifi doesn't believe her.

This is an excellent book for children Smaller than a regular chapter book, an early chapter book, the story has enough laughs, enough mystery, enough investigating to keep their interest, illustrations on almost every page, and a surprise ending, all in one lively little book. I know my grandchildren will be looking for the next one! Dog lovers especially should enjoy the antics of Penny and Rio, and the other animals. Illustrated by Rosita Schandy and Neal Wooten. Recommended for children, parents and grandparents; also pre-school, kindergarten and early school.

Interesting, Great for young animal lovers!

Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting
By Jennifer Swanson

Penny & Rio move to a new home! Eager to check out her new back yard, Penny discovers an Owl and a cat talking to each other. Rio, who is completely content lying on the porch and enjoying the sun, tells her to stop being so curious and ignore the "meeting" she claims the two animals are having. Penny is just sure the animals are up to something. She makes a hide out and spies on their meeting, uncovering a plot to break into the neighbors' house. Fearful that her house will be next she decides to foil the plan! When the neighbors dog Fifi doesn't believe Penny she takes matters into her own hands! She is not able to do so alone however, and Rio is enlisted to help! This cute, funny story is a tale of team work and co-operation to help a friend, only the friend is not who you think it is! Children of all ages will love this story of two sister dogs and their adventure next door!

This book was magnetizing, after I got through the first chapter. The story picked up and started to draw me into the book during the second chapter. It made me wonder what was really taking place in the animals' scheme. The animals' grouping together in a meeting was entertaining. I wondered at what most dogs and other animals think about during their day. Are they interested in the happening just like Penny and Rio? Penny & Rio is a wonderful, interesting read for any reader ages 8 - 12.

"ENTERTAINING, HEARTWARMING, and EDUCATIONAL!"

Jennifer Swanson reached for the stars and succeeded in her sequel to "PENNY & RIO: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting." She brings back the famous dog detectives, Penny & Rio, who are well-known for fighting crime, and mysteries. This delightful chapter book, packed with colorful illustrations will capture the heart of any reader, regardless of age. In this incredible adventure, the two sister dogs team up with Hobbes to help Squeaky the mouse retrieve a treasure, which is as important to Squeaky as life itself. Although Rio is up to her old, lazy tricks again, the reader will learn that her naps really don't destroy ingenious crime fighting plans for solving cases. What is needed to gain access to the abandoned doghouse would be two clever dogs, a new brave assistant, and a persistent mouse. Who digs up the yard to find an old bone, and what was hidden inside it? Will the dog detectives crack the case, and solve the mystery? Why didn't Squeaky give-up on the mission to unlock the doghouse, even though Hobbes lives in the same yard, where the padlock remains on the door? Who is the brains of this crime fighting outfit, and who has more energy than Superman? This enchanting children's book is highly recommended for ages eight, and older. It is also a great read that will interest younger children, when read to by an adult. The story is captivating, action and suspense cover the pages, while the author points out the importance of family values. For the icing on the cake, Jennifer Swanson paints each colorful page with unique characters, who are precious, and come to life. Her love for animals, especially dogs, shines through in her writing. I have read the PENNY & RIO series to several children with special needs, and the adventure was a big hit in this funny, laugh-out-loud read. The children learn about teamwork, problem solving, and perseverance through the adorable characters, page-after-page. The short chapters hold the attention of the young child as they step into this fun read, while learning not only about how clever dogs can be, but also what friendship signifies throughout life. Does Squeaky ever get what the detectives are searching for, before the doghouse is moved to a dump, and who is Spike? Which plan works best to solve the mystery, and who came up with the idea? This dynamic adventure teaches children to follow their dreams, while demonstrating the rewards of helping others. The priceless 'Treasure' that the author created was not only found in the doghouse, but in the heart of many young readers, who considered this book a 'Treasure' in itself. "PENNY & RIO: The Locked Doghouse Mystery" is as funny as Walt Disney's CHICKEN LITTLE, and as amazing as THE POLAR EXPRESS, with Tom Hanks.

2009 Mom's Choice Awards Recipient!

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom FoundationT and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Great Read for Kids

This is a wonderful children's book. It teaches the importance of team work, never giving up, and family. In a culture where kids try things once and then move on to the next thing, this book stresses the importance of perseverance.

There is a lot of action and suspense in this book as you wait for three dogs and a mouse to gain access to an abandoned dog house to retrieve a "treasure". I read this book to an audience of two 3-year-olds who had positive comments to say throughout the book. It was cute watching their faces as they wondered if the dogs and mouse were going to finally get into the doghouse. And each time they didn't, they would scream "Oh no!"

We took turns trying to figure out what was in the doghouse and took cookie bets on who was right. (none of us were) Finding out the "treasure" was family albums was refreshing. The author could have picked anything from a block of cheese, to furry slippers, but instead chose to make it something with meaning. After reading countless books with no meaning, it was refreshing to read one that can be used to teach and stress the importance of helping others. At the end, the boys even wanted to look through our albums to look at pictures. It's a nice day out, two friends are together, and they want to look at pictures. The books' message came through loud and clear.

This is a definite winner for even the pickiest of readers.

A delightful story of two detective dogs

"Penny and Rio, The Mysterious Backyard Meeting", is a charming little story of two lovable dogs. Penny is always out looking for a new adventure while her sister Rio is always looking for a new place to nap. When they arrive at their new house, Penny discovers a group of local animals are holding secret meeting in her backyard. Determined to find out what these meetings are all about Penny discovers the perfect spot to spy. Finally she discovers that the cat, groundhog, squirrel, and owl are preparing to brake into their neighbor's house. Will Rio help Penny stop the animals or will she slumber through the entire thing?

"Penny and Rio, The Mysterious Backyard Meeting is an adorable detective story that take young readers into a mystery. Jennifer Swanson has provided the perfect book for reader who are just starting out in chapter books. With a charming story that teach children to take responsibility you cannot go wrong with this book. The perfect story for young dog lovers.


Reviewed on 09/21/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Angela

Fun early chapter book.

Penny and Rio are on another case. Squeaky, a mouse, has a treasure. The problem is the treasure is in a locked dog house and Squeaky can't get in. With the help of a new friend, Penny and Rio find a solution. You'll have to read the book to find out what Squeaky's treasure is, though.

This was cute. The dogs try several plans before they actually manage to get into the doghouse, emphasizing team work and perseverance. The importance of friends and family is also shown, with Penny and Rio realizing that even though they are different, being sisters is special.

This is a good one to read aloud or for elementary readers just starting on short chapter books. It's why my daughter likes the book. She loves dogs and dogs that solve mysteries are even better.

Penny & Rio Do it Again

Penny and Rio find themselves paw deep in their latest mystery when Hobbes, a huge Great Dane and new next door neighbor seeks them out for their expert detective skills. Not one to be easily intimidated, Penny stands her ground and listens intently of the new case thrust upon them. The dilemma and determination of Hobbes' friend Squeaky to get into the old locked doghouse draws in the four legged detectives immediately. And with the evasiveness of Squeaky, Penny's curiosity is piqued further and she pleads for her sister, Rio, to quit her napping and help in finding the missing key and gaining entry.

"Come on, Rio, I'll let you have my bone tonight," Penny smiled. Rio stopped. Her eyes narrowed. Say it's for the next two nights, and you've got a deal."

Up against an impossible deadline of less than a day, the cleverness of each is put to the test while on the case of finding the lost key. Will they make it in time? Ms. Swanson brings to life the adventures of Penny and Rio with such humanistic characteristics the reader forgets they are on a journey with animals. Children will certainly enjoy reading about the detective skills of such ingenious dogs.

Toddler Review

Ever wonder why on earth your dog dug up the flowers? Or barked like mad to get out in the middle of the night? Or crawled under the fence? Or snuck into the neighbor's house?

The Penny and Rio series just might have the answers for you as it delves into life from a dog's perspective. It's all part of your detective dog's mystery-solving duties, of course...

In the book Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, you'll meet two completely opposite canines. Penny uncovers a plot by a cat, an owl, a groundhog, and a squirrel to break into the neighbor's house. And of course, it's up to her to guard the neighborhood and foil the plot, while "good man" buddy Rio lazily sleeps on.

I'll stop right there so I don't spoil the mystery for you...

The Author

In addition to being owner to real-life Penny and Rio, Jennifer Swanson has three children. You can find her "ferrying her kids to soccer practice or games, studying hard for her Masters in Education class, relaxing with her husband or most importantly, hard at work on a new mystery for the intrepid Penny and Rio to solve. Jennifer has also recently become a middle school science instructor for John Hopkin University's Center for Talented Youth." She is committed to helping animals and has taught her kids the same values.

Our Review

If you are looking for an introductory chapter book for a toddler, then I highly recommend this one. It has colorful, fun illustrations on every other page or so that kept 2-year-old Esmé's attention as I read through the book. Since it was the first chapter book I've really attempted reading to her, my expectations weren't too high, but when I tried to put the book away after one chapter, she insisted on continuing! We made it through all five chapters (42 pages) in two sittings.

The book is actually intended for an older audience, maybe up to age 9 or so. The story line was pretty basic with a fairly simple vocabulary.

It was fun introducing Esmé to the concept that each of the different animals not only had its animal name (cat, owl), but also a personalized name (Buster, Feathers) - since she is so into arguing about what to call things these days. ("I not Esmé, I girl!" or "That's not Mommy, that's Jane!") She enjoyed describing what was happening in the pictures after I had read about it: "That flower broken! That dog make flowers broken!"

If you're looking for a lesson from the book, it might be that you shouldn't jump to conclusions or make quick judgments of others, because things aren't always what they appear to be.

(Though you might want to explain that it was still wrong for Penny to dig up the flowers or dig under the fence, even though she had a perfectly good reason for doing so.)

Overall, a cute sweet read based on real-life dogs that my little girl enjoyed very much.

For more information on this and upcoming Penny & Rio books (and coloring pages to go with the book, too!), visit Penny & Rio's website (www.pennyandrio.com)...

Penny and Rio The Mysterious Backyard Meeting

Penny and Rio The Mysterious Backyard Meeting is an Early Reader Chapter Book for ages 5 to 12 years old. Penny is a curious pooch with energy to spare but Rio loves her naps. Penny just can't persuade her to join in on the fun and explore their new backyard. Later that night she discovers that four intruders; Buster the cat, Shadow the groundhog, Nutty the squirrel and Feathers the owl, are using her yard for a meeting. What are they up to?

Penny is sure to find out with or without Rio's help. She spys on the four and discovers their plan to break into the house next door. The plot thickens as Penny plans to save the day and stop them. What will happen? And what do these four critters want inside of Penny's neighbor's home? Will Rio help her stop them in time?

Jennifer Swanson is the author of this lovable children's book and is dedicated in helping animals. She is donating a portion of this book's proceeds to a local Jacksonville, Florida pet organization; G.R.E.A.T. Rescue, which rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers, placing them in permanent homes. Jennifer has also teamed up with Pawsitive Pets, one of their local organizations that brings dogs and kids together in schools to help children learn to read.